The Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau has thanked the Government of Japan for providing two generators to the Bua Province Fisheries Service Centre.

It comes after Mr Koroilavesau and the Ambassador of Japan Masahiro Omura conducted a Grant Contract Signing ceremony at the Embassy of Japan’s office yesterday.

Mr Koroilavesau said: “After visiting our Fisheries Service Centers in Vanua Levu early last year, one thing was certain and that is at any one time, at least one ice plant will not be in operation due to the servicing of its generator.”

Within the Bua province, he said the Nabouwalu, Lekutu and Kubulau Centres provided service to about 200 active fishers.

However, then one of the ice plants were not in operation, their fishing communities were the ones affected.

“Thankfully, however, through the support of the Japanese Government’s Grass Root Human Security Project we will be equipped with a backup generator for the Bua province.”

Ambassador Omura said this project would facilitate the installation of two generators which was expected to boost daily ice production.

“Through its operational effort and several technical cooperation projects implemented by Overseas Fishery Co-operation Foundation of Japan or OFCF, the centre has successfully optimised its technical service and developed its ability to empower local fishing communities in Vanua Levu,” he said.

The project costs up to $129,229 (US$62,511), Ambassador Omura said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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